Santiago de Compostela

We made it!!

Jul 27, 2023

Me, Jen from Jersey, Molly from Chicago, Michael from Leeds, England, and Lily from Walla Walla

Our little crew had one final, very early morning to knock out the last 10 kilometers into Santiago. We were at the Cathedral around 8:30 after a coffee stop on the way into town. It was bittersweet, we’re all happy to have gotten here but sad that it means our time together is coming to an end. I’ll have a future post with more thoughts and observations on the overall experience, for now, I’ll keep it short.

The last couple days of the Camino went quickly. We’d moved out of the hillier parts and the scenery wasn’t as remarkable as it has been. It was mainly just walking to get done. We did stay at a really nice hostel the penultimate night, with another excellent meal. Heidi’s place in Taberna Vella. Heidi is from Germany, fell in love with the Camino and bought a hostel to remain part of the Camino.

We were lucky to get in to Santiago early and beat the crowds. The day before was a huge festival for St James and the place was mobbed. Some of that crowd remained so as the day progressed it got busier and busier. Santiago is a beautiful city and we’ve enjoyed a bit of exploring.

We did go to the noon mass, which was really nice. We were lucky that they swung the massive Botafumeira, one of the largest censers (incense burners) in the world. We were lucky to have front row seats and it whipped by right over our heads like we could reach up and touch it. Very cool to get to see that.

So, what’s next for everyone? Jen is headed to Switzerland today to begin her walk around Mont Blanc. This was her 5th Camino and it’s a training walk for Mont Blanc. Molly and Lily are taking the bus to Finnisterra tomorrow before Molly heads home and Lily heads to Portugal. After living in Madrid for two years, Lily has another week or so in her farewell tour to the Iberian Peninsula. Michael is taking a few days here and in Madrid before heading home.

As for me, I’m taking a rest day and hanging out with the remaining crew today, then I’m putting the shoes and pack back on for 4 days walking to Finnisterra. I’m not quite ready to be done, but I’m pretty sure the 32 kilometer day will probably end up with finishing the day in a taxi or a bus, that’s just too many miles in a day at this point.

So, stay tuned, more to come!